Aria's POV
Mateo emotionless eyes lock on me, then shift to Lucian, who's still seated across from me. The air grows thick with tension, the kind that makes my wolf, Kira, stir uneasily inside me. But I hold my ground, refusing to let him see any weakness.
Lucian clears his throat, standing up smoothly. He nods at Mateo, a quick, respectful gesture between alphas. "That will be all for now." he says, his voice steady. He glances at me one last time, those blue eyes searching.
Then he's gone, leaving the door clicking shut behind him.
Mateo steps closer, his scent wrapping around me.
He looks at my outfit, the simple black pants and top I wore for the council meeting, and his brow furrows slightly. "Why are you dressed so casually? Change into something proper. We're having a family dinner tonight."
I know exactly what that means. It's all a show, a fake display of unity in front of his grandfather, Ragner. Mateo's grandfather, the old wolf who still holds sway over Silvermoon's traditions.
He always wants to see us as the perfect alpha pair, strong and bonded, all for the sake of the pack's stability. And those lunar trading companies? The ones that bring in resources from allied packs? Grandfather Ragner controls a big chunk, and Mateo needs his approval to keep everything running smooth.
Sometimes Mateo seems like such a contradiction. He acts like this controlled, strategic ex-alpha grandfather, always planning the next move for Silvermoon. But underneath, he's driven by power and pack loyalty, willing to play any game to stay on top.
Fine. I'll go with him. I'll just play along until the territories and businesses are split into my share, my focus is clear, secure what's mine.
Later, I head back to my private office where I changed my outfit into something that screams perfection without trying too hard. The reason I'd changed my cloth into something perfect and decent was because of Alpha Ragnar, Mateo's grandfather. He's been nice to me and I wouldn't want to disrespect him in any kind of way.
Then I headed out only to realise Mateo was already waiting for me by the door. The moment he saw me, he couldn't stop staring, my wolf could sense his wolf being drawn to my mesmerizing look but I didn't spare him a glance as I walked past him, heading to the elevator and he followed, his lips curving into a short smile.
The door shut as we were both alone again. Then he finally breaks the silence with a cold husky voice.
"After talking with Lucian, I figure you've thought twice about this rejection nonsense. Tonight's still in your heat cycle. When we get back, get ready. You are ovulating. I'll make it fast if it's an issue."
There he goes again. An heir. He wants an heir. I've been in this marriage for 4 years. 4 years without a child.
I said nothing, the atmosphere stiffened and just as he was about to speak again, soon, the elevator door slid open. But suddenly, my eyes landed on her again.
There she is, Bella, in a beautiful dress that hugs her curves perfectly, her face all innocent and sweet. She steps forward hesitantly, her eyes pleading. "The main path is blocked," say, glancing at me. "Luna Aria, can I join you just this once?"
Without response, I hit the close button without a word, my silence making it crystal clear that she is not welcomed here.
Bella stiffens. looking at Mateo like he's her savior.
But Mateo speaks smoothly. "You'll respect Luna Aria's choice," he says, his voice firm and final.
Bella pauses, then backs off, her pretty features twisted in defeat as the doors shut on her.
The whole thing leaves a sour ache in my heart. The fake closeness, the hidden affair, I can't stand it anymore.
I stay quiet until we reach the garage. Mateo's beta took the driver's seat of the SUV while Mateo joined me at the back.
Even then, it's Mateo who speaks first. "There's nothing going on with me and her. Don't read into it."
I turn, giving him a look that drips with sarcasm. "Feeling bad about something?"
Mateo arches an eyebrow, getting it wrong like always. "You mean about creating our heir? Aria, I've said it, I'm in top shape. No problems with my fertility."
I reply immediately. "You should get checked by a healer. Make sure you're not carrying any… impurities from anywhere."
That hits him hard.
In a blur of motion, he unstraps and grabs me. Before I can react, he pulls me onto his lap, his body heat overwhelming in the SUV's wide rear seat.
My back presses against the wheel, pain spiking through me as I push back. "Mateo, are you out of your mind?"
This mate who was once so distant, like an untouchable alpha peak, now crosses every line with an intensity that's new and overwhelming.
His hands move boldly, pinning me to him. I fight back hard.
Finally, he stops, lifting his eyes to look at me.
It catches me off guard, freezing me in the strange closeness.
But it breaks fast. He grips the back of my neck firmly, pulling me into a kiss that's rough and demanding. His teeth sink into my lower lip kissing me roughly and hungrily.
Then he growls. "Luna Aria," he breathes hot against mine. "Am I pure? Do I look sick?"
With a fierce push, I break away.
I shift back to the passenger seat, fixing my messed-up dress, my breathing heavy.
The unwanted heat rushing through me leaves me rattled and angry. But I force calm, meeting his eyes with cold distance. "Don't stress," I say. "I'll have my aide book a full check-up for you."
My words, so precise and detached, kill whatever fire was in him. He straps back in, letting out a slow breath to shake off his frustration, then revs the engine hard.
The drive is only by the continuous buzzing of his phone over and over. I count at least ten rings. It's Bella calling. Well, whatever he does from now on, it's not my problem anymore. This marriage is ending soon anyways.
Mateo glances at me once, his face blank as he focuses on the road.
Thirty minutes later, the SUV rolls through the gates of grandfather Ragnar's mansion, in the heart of Silvermoon's ancient territory.
As we park, Mateo checks his device again, his voice cool. "Pack business." He says to me.
I say nothing, my silence cutting deeper than words.
Annoyed, Mateo opens his mouth to speak, but a pack guard interrupts, opening the door with a bow. "The gathering has started. The elder and the others are waiting for the alpha and luna. Please, join us."
Mateo nods shortly, then holds out his hand to me with easy grace. The ideal alpha, attentive in front of the pack, showing the bond everyone expects to his Luna.
I slip my fingers into his, hating the act we're putting on. It feels like a cage.
We walk into the grand hall together, stepping into our roles at the family feast.
The massive wooden table is packed with family members. Grandfather turned to me. "If only I had little ones surrounding this table." I knew where he was driving to, the real message is obvious, he wants a great grandchild. An heir to secure the bloodline.
Mateo looks at me and smirks lightly, his voice teasing but controlled. "Aria and I will work on it tonight."
Ragnar replies. "Four years bonded, and nothing to show for it!"
Mateo brushes it off with a few smooth words.
I stay silent, focusing on my food. My face stays neutral, calm.
Grandfather Ragnar has two sons, his first, Jonathan Ragnar, and the younger, Jeffrey Ragnar and Mateo is Jeffrey's son from grandfather's second Luna.
No one here knows I'm almost unable to carry pups!
And it's all because of Mateo!
Right then, Mateo's phone rings again. He checks it, then excuses himself to handle it outside. It's personal as he always claims.
A serving of moonberry stew lands in my bowl.
Grandfather Ragnar speaks deliberately. "Alphas are like wild wolves, they roam sometimes but they always return to the den."
My voice is flat, cool. "Maybe when they're chained to it."
A nearby omega hides a chuckle at my words.
The night weighs on me. I slip away early, heading to the moonlit gardens for air.
By the reflecting pool, a tall shadow emerges. He moves with quiet power, his build reminding me of Mateo's, but it's not him. It's Jonas Ragnar, Mateo's cousin from a rival bloodline.
Jonas despises me. Without me as Luna, he wouldn't have lost his shot at more power.
Jonas's like a hyena, always secretly eyeing the alpha position; clearly, he knows about Bella.
"I think you should see this." He says coldly, smirking.
He hands me a bundle of images, each showing Mateo and Bella in private moments that twist my gut.
Jonas's mouth curves into a sharp grin.
"Do you know her?" he asks.
"Her dad is Alpha Marcus Caldwell, a respected alpha from Darkmoon, with strong alliances. Her mom was your mate's mother's closest ally. And you? A lone wolf orphan. What do you have against her, Aria? Be careful, or that cunning alpha cousin of mine will tear you apart until nothing's left. But team up with me now, and we can flip this hunt in your favor."
I flip through the pictures, keeping my face stone-cold. Then, with finality, I toss them into a nearby fire pit, watching them burn.
I meet Jonas's eyes, steady. This rival who's fought me in so many pack clashes. My voice is even, laced with firm disdain. "Thanks for the tip. But I don't want it."
Jonas sneers. "Suit yourself. I'll be there when Mateo casts you out."
I give a small, knowing smile. Although Mateo is unfit as a husband, he is perfectly fit as a leader. Therefore, I only want to leave quietly and don't want to help him seize the Alpha's position by giving him an heir, since Jonas is a despicable person.
I don't care anymore. Mateo isn't in my future. I'm just playing the part until the split is done. Once I have my share of the territories and the companies, Mateo will be history, every feeling and pain scattered like leaves in the wind.
I leave the garden, heading back to the hall.
When I look up, there he is, Mateo.
He's standing quietly under the archway.
In the soft light, he's the picture of alpha grace, features sharp and strong, his presence commanding yet charming. He once had me completely under his spell, drawn in by his pull.
Now, his eyes hold a mystery as deep as the night.